Lotusland
STORY BY: Veronica Hill PHOTOS BY: Veronica Hill
Summary: Walk through a wonderland of rare tropical plants and cycads at this lavish Montecito estate.
Location: Lotusland is located at 695 Ashley Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108. Call 805-969-9990 for reservations, which are offered at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Wed-Sat between Feb. 15 and Nov. 15. Cost is $35.
Price Range: $$$
Pros: Impressive gardens in a historic estate
Cons: High admission price; reservations only.
Tucked in the lush hills above Santa Barbara, Ganna Walska Lotusland is a whimsical 37-acre estate that's home to some of California's most unique and beautiful display gardens.
During the 2-hour tours, which are only available by reservation, you'll explore the 1920s estate of Polish Opera singer Ganna Walska, who created the botanical masterpiece between 1941 and her death in 1984.
Starting in the Australian garden, we wind our way through the grounds, which are filled with unique and fragrant tropical and sub-tropical plants.
Don't miss the peaceful Japanese Garden, filled with delicate maples, pine and camellias, or the ancient cycad garden, which has three of the world's rarest specimens perched above the koi pond.
The Topiary Garden, which sits outside Walska's pink Mediterranean mansion, boasts 26 circus animals contained in a boxwood maze.
You'll find the estate's namesake lotus in the Water Garden, which occupies the former 1920s swimming pool, along with the former bath house designed by famed architect George Washington Smith. The second swimming pool, located near the Fern Garden, is surrounded by a faux beach with giant clam shells.
A highlight is the 1948 Theatre Garden, which features dozens of antique French grotesques, and the boulder-strewn Cactus Garden, designed by Eric Nagelman in 2004. Behind the Lotusland Santa Barbara estate, you'll find the formal parterre, which boasts a Moorish fountain and statue of King Neptune.
Several events are held at Lotusland throughout the year, including summer twilight tours and bird walks.
Docent-led tours are available for ages 10 and up. Families with smaller children can join the self-guided tours. On your way home, don't miss the Garden Shop, where you can purchase rare plants from the garden.
View garden map
If You Go
Lotusland Montecito Gardens & Estate
$35 adults; $10 (ages 5-18)
10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday (Feb. 15 to Nov. 15)
(805) 969-9990
http://www.lotusland.org/
